Injuries & Moves: Rutledge returned to Triple-A Rochester
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May 15: RHP Jackson Rutledge returned to Triple-A Rochester after doubleheader
The Nationals returned Rutledge to Triple-A Rochester after he served as their 27th man in Tuesday's doubleheader against the White Sox. Rutledge, Washington's No. 15 prospect, pitched the eighth inning in Game 2 of the twin bill. He allowed a run and two hits, including a solo homer.
Rutledge, the Nationals’ first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, made four starts for Washington last September, including his Major League debut. He’s made seven starts with Triple-A Rochester this season, compiling a 6.33 ERA with 27 strikeouts and 19 walks in 27 innings.
That includes a pair of outings with unique circumstances, however. On April 11, Rutledge took a 110.6 mph line drive off his right ankle, which forced him to exit after two-plus innings. On April 17, he threw two scoreless innings before a rain delay ended his start early. Over his past three starts, Rutledge has a 3.94 ERA with 16 strikeouts and seven walks in 16 innings.
“I wasn't really able to find a rhythm until a couple of weeks ago,” Rutledge said before the doubleheader. “But now I'm feeling a lot better, feeling in control of the stuff and feeling like I'm in a good place."
10-day/15-day injured list
RF Lane Thomas (left MCL sprain)
Expected return: May
Thomas ran the bases before the Nationals' series finale against the White Sox on May 15. This followed his progression to hitting in the cage, taking batting practice on the field, throwing and running. Thomas was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 24, the day after he avoided a tag while stealing second base vs. the Dodgers. The Nationals' starting right fielder was batting .184 with 11 stolen bases this season. (Last updated: May 15)
RHP Josiah Gray (right elbow/forearm flexor strain)
Expected return: May
Gray, who threw a bullpen session on May 13, is feeling good and wants to ramp things up in his next bullpen, according to manager Dave Martinez. He previously threw a bullpen session of 35 fastballs on May 10. The right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 6, after an MRI revealed a right elbow/forearm flexor strain before his scheduled April 9 start against the Giants. He is 0-2 with a 14.04 ERA in two starts this season. (Last updated: May 13)
1B/DH Joey Gallo (left shoulder AC sprain)
Expected return: May
Gallo is scheduled to play first base on May 14-15 during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Rochester. He’s played eight games to this point between Rochester and Single-A Fredericksburg, six of those at designated hitter. Washington placed Gallo, who injured his shoulder making a diving play, on the IL on April 27 after he tried to play through the shoulder injury for a week. (Last updated: May 13)
60-day IL
RHP Cade Cavalli (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Mid-2024
Cavalli is scheduled to throw a simulated game on May 14. He has been facing live hitters, most recently in a 25-pitch bullpen session on May 11 and a 45-pitch session on May 9.
While with the team in Miami on April 26, Cavalli said he felt "normal" and that the ball was coming out of his hand the same as prior to his injury. He was hopeful that he would be back in Major League action within the next two months. (Last updated: May 13)
LHP Jose A. Ferrer (teres major strain)
Expected return: First half of season
Ferrer, who had been rehabbing with the team to start the season, is continuing his recovery at the Nationals training complex in West Palm Beach, Fla. He is throwing up to 75 feet. He experienced discomfort while extending his throwing arm during Spring Training and was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: May 10)
RHP Mason Thompson (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: 2025
Thompson, 26, underwent his second Tommy John surgery on March 1 after previously undergoing the procedure in high school. He was placed on the 60-day IL on March 24. (Last updated: March 24)